Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens is an American actress and singer from Salinas, California, who is best known for the role of Gabrielle Montez in Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” movies. She has also appeared on “Drake & Josh” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” Offscreen, Hudgens has made headlines for her high profile relationships with co-star Zac Efron and current longtime boyfriend Austin Butler.

Hudgens, who was born on December 14, 1988, was raised with her younger sister Stella in San Diego. She briefly attended Orange County High School of the Arts was but was largely home-schooled as a child. Hudgens began appearing in local musical theater productions at age 8. Her late father, Gregory, is Irish and Native American. Her mother, Gina, is originally from the Philippines.

The former child star made her feature film debut in the 2003 movie “Thirteen,” starring Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed. Hudgens also appeared in the critically panned 2013 comedy crime movie “Spring Breakers” alongside James Franco and Selena Gomez. After contributing vocals to several tracks on the “High School Musical” soundtrack, Hudgens signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records. Her first CD, titled “V,” was released September 26, 2006. In 2007 she was named Choice Breakout Singer — Female at the Teen Choice Awards.

Later that year, a series of provocative photographs showing the young star both nude and dressed in sexy lingerie appeared online. At the time, the actress said she was “embarrassed over the situation.” Additional photos began to circulate online in 2009 and 2011.

Hudgens, a longtime spokesperson for Neutrogena cosmetics, briefly starred on Broadway in the title role of “Gigi.” She appeared as Rizzo in Fox television’s live production of the musical “Grease,” and has a new TV show, “Powerless,” premiering midseason 2016-2017.